The Multigenerational Impact of Prayer

I had received an email last week telling me about Mike Huckabee calling together a national day of prayer and repentance on January 20. In conjunction with that, I felt it would be great to talk with our congregation about praying for our nation and the importance of these endeavors.

The truth is, we have a promise. If His people called by His name will humble themselves and pray, turning from their wicked ways, He will turn and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14).

God was speaking about the natural temple that had been built by Solomon. He responded to the king’s prayer that He would heal their land if the people cried out toward this sanctuary. We now live in the reality of a heavenly sanctuary with Jesus as High Priest of a better covenant based on better promises (Hebrews 8).

You think God can resist humble people praying and repenting?

It’s not hopeless for our nation, but we need prayer and awakening. We have thought at times, ‘it sure would be nice if we had some real revival,’ but the Spirit of God is looking for believers to carry and press it through. The reality is, it’s not just a good idea: we need awakening.

You are not in a political or ideological war. You are engaged in a spiritual battle, not with people but principalities and rulers in high places. You only keep that straight as you engage in a heavenly perspective and not an earthly one.

Today we also celebrate the life and accomplishments of a great man: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The good that came from his life echoes greatly today. He was God’s man to bring forth righteousness in the midst of great injustice, but he was not alone.

The prayers of grandmothers and aunts pushed him forward. The intercessions of fathers and cousins, the petitions of sisters and brothers for generations–they all came to bear at a time and place and season of history.

Prayer contains its own momentum.

I believe we are at another crossroads and we have the opportunity to pray with dedication for our nation and its leaders. Complaining poisons our hearts, but prayers of faith and confidence in His goodness lead us forward.

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. –James 5:16

Not prayers of angry and bitter people. Not prayers of frightened and timid people. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. You have to gain His vision and His heart for the people of this nation, to declare His kingdom come and will be done in the U.S. as its being done in heaven.

It’s time for a movement of real restoration that only comes from our Father. He said He would heal our land, so what if we take Him up on that? What if we prayed until we saw the change and the people of God rise up in His presence, compassion, and wisdom?

Everyone has the choice. I want move in powerful, bold prayers that touch heaven and transform the earth.

What do you say?